Explorer Forum - The Internet's #1 resource for Ford Explorer owners since 1996. Our active community covers every aspect of the Ford Explorer, Ford Ranger and all vehicles based on this platform. Owner generated reviews and discussion of the 2015 and 2016 Ford Explorer. Run by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, here you will find, tech tips, how to articles, reviews, videos, photos, offroad events, street truck events and much, much more!

Hello guys, as you saw in the Subject I need to know if tje V8- 4.6L 2004 Explorer has a timing Chain or timing band?.. How many miles to have a preventive change?, if the band or chain breaks the engine will be rip off?....

Explorer Forum has probably saved you that much already, and will continue to save you money as you learn how to diagnose and fix problems yourself, and learn which modifications really work without having to experiment on your own. Elite Explorer members can change the forum "styles" to eliminate most ads, including the blue underlined links, and no ads on photos. Other benefits include the ability to store 1000 Private Messages, add your own avatar to your posts, upload photo attachments directly to your posts and to our Photo Gallery and more. Join the Elite Explorers today. Your support of the forum is greatly appreciated.

Just curious - is replacing the timing chains something a 'shade tree mechanic' could do? It looks like a 4.6 timing set (chains, sprockets and guides) plus gaskets is less than $300 in parts. I've done a few timing belt replacements - it's time-consuming, but always turned out OK - just took my time and made sure everything was positioned correctly before bolting the covers back on.

Just curious - is replacing the timing chains something a 'shade tree mechanic' could do? It looks like a 4.6 timing set (chains, sprockets and guides) plus gaskets is less than $300 in parts. I've done a few timing belt replacements - it's time-consuming, but always turned out OK - just took my time and made sure everything was positioned correctly before bolting the covers back on.

Yes, it is something a shade tree can do. You have to remove a bunch of stuff that takes about 3 hours or so, depending on your pace. I wouldn't worry about the chains if I were you. I would just change out the guides, the tensioner, crank oil seal, and gaskets.

Harbor Freight has a real cheap and easy to use power steering pulley remover that helps.

You will also need two special tools to set the timing correctly. They are OTC 6020 and OTC 6009. When you take off the chain, the cams become spring loaded sheers just waiting for the perfect opportunity to take one of your fingers off clean. Experienced career technicians can come up with alternatives, but for a shade tree, don't mess around with this one without getting those two special tools.